JPH09152766A - Developing device - Google Patents
Developing deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JPH09152766A JPH09152766A JP7309623A JP30962395A JPH09152766A JP H09152766 A JPH09152766 A JP H09152766A JP 7309623 A JP7309623 A JP 7309623A JP 30962395 A JP30962395 A JP 30962395A JP H09152766 A JPH09152766 A JP H09152766A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- toner
- magnetic permeability
- magnetic
- developing device
- detector
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
- G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
- G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
- G03G15/0848—Arrangements for testing or measuring developer properties or quality, e.g. charge, size, flowability
- G03G15/0856—Detection or control means for the developer level
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
- G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
- G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
- G03G15/0848—Arrangements for testing or measuring developer properties or quality, e.g. charge, size, flowability
- G03G15/0856—Detection or control means for the developer level
- G03G15/086—Detection or control means for the developer level the level being measured by electro-magnetic means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
- G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
- G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
- G03G15/0877—Arrangements for metering and dispensing developer from a developer cartridge into the development unit
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
- G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
- G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
- G03G15/0887—Arrangements for conveying and conditioning developer in the developing unit, e.g. agitating, removing impurities or humidity
- G03G15/0891—Arrangements for conveying and conditioning developer in the developing unit, e.g. agitating, removing impurities or humidity for conveying or circulating developer, e.g. augers
- G03G15/0893—Arrangements for conveying and conditioning developer in the developing unit, e.g. agitating, removing impurities or humidity for conveying or circulating developer, e.g. augers in a closed loop within the sump of the developing device
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
- G03G21/0005—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge for removing solid developer or debris from the electrographic recording medium
- G03G21/0058—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge for removing solid developer or debris from the electrographic recording medium using a roller or a polygonal rotating cleaning member; Details thereof, e.g. surface structure
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
- G03G2215/08—Details of powder developing device not concerning the development directly
- G03G2215/0802—Arrangements for agitating or circulating developer material
- G03G2215/0816—Agitator type
- G03G2215/0827—Augers
- G03G2215/083—Augers with two opposed pitches on one shaft
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
- G03G2215/08—Details of powder developing device not concerning the development directly
- G03G2215/0888—Arrangements for detecting toner level or concentration in the developing device
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G2221/00—Processes not provided for by group G03G2215/00, e.g. cleaning or residual charge elimination
- G03G2221/0026—Cleaning of foreign matter, e.g. paper powder, from imaging member
- G03G2221/0068—Cleaning mechanism
- G03G2221/0089—Mechanical
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
- Control Or Security For Electrophotography (AREA)
- Cleaning In Electrography (AREA)
- Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Magnetic Means (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【0001】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、静電複写機、レー
ザ印刷機等の画像形成機において静電潜像をトナー像に
現像するために使用される現像装置、更に詳しくは消費
される磁性トナーが充分な量存在するか否かを検出する
ためのトナー検出器を備えた現像装置に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developing device used for developing an electrostatic latent image into a toner image in an image forming machine such as an electrostatic copying machine or a laser printing machine, and more particularly, to a consumed magnetic field. The present invention relates to a developing device equipped with a toner detector for detecting whether or not a sufficient amount of toner is present.
【0002】[0002]
【従来の技術】周知の如く、静電複写機、レーザ印刷機
等の画像形成機においては、感光体上に静電潜像を形成
し、かかる静電潜像をトナー像に現像している。静電潜
像をトナー像に現像する現像装置の典型例は、現像容
器、現像剤適用手段及びトナー供給手段を具備してい
る。現像容器内には、キャリア粒子とトナーとから成る
所謂二成分現像剤或いはトナーのみから成る所謂一成分
現像剤でよい現像剤が収容されている。現像剤適用手段
は、現像容器内に存在する現像剤を現像域に運んで現像
すべき静電潜像に適用し、かくして静電潜像にトナーを
施してトナー像に現像せしめる。トナー供給手段は、現
像容器内のトナーの消費に応じて、現像容器内にトナー
を供給する。トナー供給手段には、通常、充分な量のト
ナーが存在するか否かを検出するトナー検出手段が配設
されている。トナー供給手段に存在するトナーの量が低
減すると、トナー検出手段がこれを検出し、トナー供給
手段にトナーを補給する必要性が発生したことを使用者
に警告する。上記トナー検出手段としては、フォトイン
タラプタと称されるトナー検出手段が一般的に使用され
ている。かかるトナー検出手段は発光素子と受光素子と
を含み、トナー供給手段に充分な量のトナーが存在する
場合には発光素子と受光素子との間の光路がトナーに遮
断されているが、トナー供給手段に存在するトナー量が
低減されると発光素子からの光が受光素子に受光される
ことによって、トナー供給手段に存在するトナー量が低
減したことを検出する。2. Description of the Related Art As is well known, in image forming machines such as electrostatic copying machines and laser printers, an electrostatic latent image is formed on a photoconductor and the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image. . A typical example of a developing device that develops an electrostatic latent image into a toner image includes a developing container, a developer applying unit, and a toner supplying unit. The developer container contains a so-called two-component developer consisting of carrier particles and toner, or a so-called one-component developer consisting only of toner. The developer applying means conveys the developer existing in the developing container to the developing area and applies it to the electrostatic latent image to be developed, and thus applies the toner to the electrostatic latent image to develop the toner image. The toner supply unit supplies the toner into the developing container according to the consumption of the toner in the developing container. Toner supply means is usually provided with toner detection means for detecting whether or not a sufficient amount of toner is present. When the amount of toner existing in the toner supply unit decreases, the toner detection unit detects this and warns the user that it is necessary to supply toner to the toner supply unit. As the toner detecting means, a toner detecting means called a photo interrupter is generally used. The toner detecting means includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and when the toner supplying means has a sufficient amount of toner, the optical path between the light emitting element and the light receiving element is blocked by the toner. When the amount of toner existing in the means is reduced, the light from the light emitting element is received by the light receiving element, and it is detected that the amount of toner existing in the toner supply means is reduced.
【0003】[0003]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】而して、フォトインタ
ラプタと称されるトナー検出手段を使用する場合には、
透明部材によって規定された検出部位を付加的にトナー
供給手段に形成することが必要である。トナー検出手段
の発光素子と受光素子とは検出部位の両側に配設され、
検出部位に充分な量のトナーが存在する場合には、発光
素子と受光素子との間の光路がトナーによって遮断され
るが、検出部位に充分な量のトナーが存在しなくなる
と、発光素子からの光を受光素子が受光するようにな
る。更に、検出部位を規定する透明部材の内面にトナー
が付着すると、検出部位に充分な量のトナーが存在しな
いにもかかわらず、発光素子と受光素子との間の光路が
遮断される故に、検出部位を規定する透明部材の内面を
清掃するための清掃手段を付設することも必要がある。When a toner detecting means called a photo interrupter is used,
It is necessary to additionally form a detection site defined by a transparent member on the toner supply means. The light emitting element and the light receiving element of the toner detecting means are arranged on both sides of the detection portion,
When there is a sufficient amount of toner at the detection site, the optical path between the light emitting element and the light receiving element is blocked by the toner, but when there is no sufficient amount of toner at the detection site, the light emitting element emits light. The light is received by the light receiving element. Furthermore, if toner adheres to the inner surface of the transparent member that defines the detection site, the optical path between the light emitting element and the light receiving element is blocked even though there is not a sufficient amount of toner at the detection site. It is also necessary to attach cleaning means for cleaning the inner surface of the transparent member that defines the site.
【0004】一方、現像容器内に収容されている現像剤
がキャリア粒子とトナーとからなる二成分現像剤である
場合、一般に、現像剤中のトナーの比率、即ちトナー濃
度が低下すると現像剤の磁気抵抗が増大することに鑑
み、磁気抵抗に応じて出力電圧が変化する透磁率検出器
を使用して、現像剤中のトナー濃度を検出している。使
用されるトナーが磁性トナーである場合には、上記フォ
トインタラプタと称されるトナー検出手段に代えて、透
磁率検出器をトナー自体の検出にも利用することが意図
され得る。しかしながら、トナー自体の検出に透磁率検
出器を使用する場合は、次のとおりの解決すべき問題が
存在する。当業者には周知の如く、磁気検出器の出力電
圧は磁気抵抗の変化のみならず温度の変化によっても変
動するが、キャリア粒子を含有する現像剤の磁性強度と
比べてトナーの磁性強度は相当低い故に、透磁率検出器
の出力電圧値の絶対値に基いてトナー検出を遂行せんと
すと、雰囲気温度の変化に起因して誤検出が発生する虞
が少なくない。また、トナー供給手段の所定領域に充分
な量のトナーが存在するか否かを検出するためには、透
磁率検出器の透磁率検出面をトナー供給手段の所定領域
に露呈せしめることが必要であるが、露呈せしめられる
透磁率検出面にトナーが付着すると、所定領域に充分な
トナーが存在しなくなっても、透磁率検出面に付着した
トナーに起因して充分な量のトナーが存在しているもの
と誤検出してしまう虞もある。On the other hand, when the developer contained in the developing container is a two-component developer consisting of carrier particles and toner, generally, when the ratio of the toner in the developer, that is, the toner concentration decreases, the developer In view of the increase in magnetic resistance, a magnetic permeability detector whose output voltage changes according to the magnetic resistance is used to detect the toner concentration in the developer. When the toner used is a magnetic toner, it may be intended to use a magnetic permeability detector for detecting the toner itself instead of the toner detecting means called the photo interrupter. However, when the magnetic permeability detector is used for detecting the toner itself, there are the following problems to be solved. As is well known to those skilled in the art, the output voltage of the magnetic detector fluctuates not only due to changes in magnetic resistance but also due to changes in temperature, but the magnetic strength of the toner is comparable to that of the developer containing carrier particles. Because of its low value, if toner detection is attempted based on the absolute value of the output voltage value of the magnetic permeability detector, there is a risk that erroneous detection will occur due to changes in ambient temperature. Further, in order to detect whether or not a sufficient amount of toner is present in the predetermined area of the toner supply means, it is necessary to expose the magnetic permeability detection surface of the magnetic permeability detector to the predetermined area of the toner supply means. However, if toner adheres to the exposed magnetic permeability detection surface, a sufficient amount of toner exists due to the toner adhered to the magnetic permeability detection surface even if sufficient toner does not exist in the predetermined area. There is also a possibility that it may be erroneously detected as being present.
【0005】特開平7−56384号公報に開示されて
いる如く、近時においては、二成分現像剤用のトナーと
して、比較的高価なCCA(帯電制御剤)を含有せしめ
ることに代えて、重量割合で0.1乃至5.0%の、マ
グネタイトの如き磁性材料を含有せしめたトナーが提案
されている。CCAレストナーとも称されるかようなト
ナーは若干の磁性を有する所謂微磁性トナーであるが、
検出すべきトナーが微磁性トナーである場合には、トナ
ー検出に透磁率検出器を使用する場合の上記問題が特に
顕著である。As disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-56384, the weight of the two-component developer has recently been increased in place of containing a relatively expensive CCA (charge control agent). A toner containing a magnetic material such as magnetite in a proportion of 0.1 to 5.0% has been proposed. Such a toner, which is also called a CCA-less toner, is a so-called fine magnetic toner having some magnetism.
When the toner to be detected is a micro-magnetic toner, the above problem when using the magnetic permeability detector for toner detection is particularly remarkable.
【0006】本発明は上記事実に鑑みてなされたもので
あり、その主たる技術的課題は、所定領域に充分な量の
磁性トナーが存在するか否かが、透磁率検出器を使用し
て、誤検出の発生を充分に回避して適切に検出される、
新規且つ改良された現像装置を提供することである。The present invention has been made in view of the above facts, and its main technical problem is to determine whether or not a sufficient amount of magnetic toner exists in a predetermined area by using a magnetic permeability detector. Appropriately avoiding false detections
It is to provide a new and improved developing device.
【0007】[0007]
【課題を解決するための手段】本発明者等は、磁性トナ
ー、特に微磁性トナーと透磁率検出器の検出特性との関
係について鋭意検討した結果、充分な量のトナーが存在
するか否かを検出する所定領域に露呈せしめられてい
る、透磁率検出器の透磁率検出面に向けて、トナーを周
期的に流動せしめると共に、透磁率検出器の出力信号を
適宜に分析して判別するようにせしめることによって、
上記主たる技術的課題を達成できることを見出した。DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The inventors of the present invention have diligently studied the relationship between magnetic toners, particularly micromagnetic toners, and the detection characteristics of magnetic permeability detectors, and as a result, have determined whether a sufficient amount of toner is present. The toner is made to flow periodically toward the magnetic permeability detection surface of the magnetic permeability detector, which is exposed to the predetermined area for detecting the magnetic field, and the output signal of the magnetic permeability detector is appropriately analyzed and determined. By fake,
It has been found that the above main technical problems can be achieved.
【0008】即ち、本発明によれば、上記主たる技術的
課題を達成する現像装置として、所定領域において充分
な量の磁性トナーが存在するか否かを検出するためのト
ナー検出手段を備えた現像装置において、該トナー検出
手段は該所定領域に露呈せしめられた透磁率検出面を有
する透磁率検出器と、該所定領域に存在するトナーを該
透磁率検出器の該透磁率検出面に向けて周期的に流動せ
しめる周期的流動手段と、該透磁率検出器の出力信号を
分析して該所定領域に充分な量のトナーが存在するか否
かを判別する判別手段とを含む、ことを特徴とする現像
装置が提供される。That is, according to the present invention, as a developing device that achieves the above-mentioned main technical problems, the developing device is provided with a toner detecting means for detecting whether or not a sufficient amount of magnetic toner is present in a predetermined area. In the apparatus, the toner detecting means has a magnetic permeability detector having a magnetic permeability detecting surface exposed in the predetermined region, and a toner existing in the predetermined region is directed toward the magnetic permeability detecting face of the magnetic permeability detector. A periodic flow means for causing periodic flow, and a determination means for analyzing an output signal of the magnetic permeability detector to determine whether or not a sufficient amount of toner is present in the predetermined area is included. A developing device is provided.
【0009】トナーの典型例は重量割合で0.1乃至
5.0%の磁性材料を含有する微磁性トナーである。好
ましくは、該透磁率検出器は磁気抵抗に応じて出力電圧
が変化する形態であり、該判別手段は出力電圧の変動量
に基いて判別する。或いは、該判別手段は所定時間中の
出力電圧の積分値に基いて判別する。該周期的流動手段
は、回転駆動せしめられて先端部が該透磁率検出器の該
透磁率検出面を周期的に摺擦する回転流動部材から構成
され、該回転流動部材の回転中心軸線は該透磁率検出器
の該透磁率検出面と実質上平行に延びるのが好適であ
る。該回転流動部材はポリエチレンテレフタレートフィ
ルムの如き合成樹脂フィルムから形成されているのが好
都合である。該透磁率検出器の該透磁率検出面は水平に
対して0度<θ≦90度、特に30度≦θ≦60度、の
傾斜角度θをなし、該回転流動部材の先端部は該透磁率
検出器の該透磁率検出面を下方から上方に向けて摺擦す
る方向に回転せしめられるのが好ましい。該回転流動部
材の回転方向後面に作用して付着トナーを離脱せしめる
清掃手段を配設することができる。該清掃手段は回転駆
動せしめられる回転清掃部材から構成されており、該回
転清掃部材の回転中心軸線は該回転流動部材の回転中心
軸線と実質上平行に延び、該回転清掃部材の回転方向と
該回転流動部材の回転方向とは逆であり、該回転清掃部
材の先端部が該回転流動部材の該回転方向後面に作用す
るのが好適である。該回転清掃部材もポリエチレンテレ
フタレートフィルムの如き合成樹脂フィルムから形成さ
れているのが好適である。該所定領域は磁性トナー搬送
経路中にあり、トナー搬送に関する少なくとも1個の要
因が該所定領域の上流側と下流側とにおいて変化するこ
とに起因して該所定領域においてトナー滞留が生成せし
められているのが好ましい。該トナー滞留は、該所定領
域の上流側に配設されている上流側トナー搬送手段の搬
送能力が該所定領域の下流側に配設されている下流側ト
ナー搬送手段の搬送能力よりも大きいことに起因して、
或いは該所定領域においてトナー搬送方向が急激に変更
せしめられていることに起因して、生成せしめられ得
る。好ましくは、該所定領域にはトナー溜を形成する凹
部が形成されており、該周期的流動手段は該凹部内に存
在するトナーにも作用する。好適実施形態においては、
現像装置は、現像容器と、該現像容器内に存在する現像
剤を現像すべき静電潜像に適用するための現像剤適用手
段と、該現像容器に磁性トナーを供給するためのトナー
供給手段とを具備し、該トナー供給手段はトナー受入口
と該現像容器に連通せしめられているトナー排出口とを
有するトナー搬送経路が形成されているホッパ容器と、
該トナー搬送経路を通して磁性トナーを搬送するための
搬送手段とを含み、該所定領域は該ホッパ容器内に形成
されている該トナー搬送経路中にある。該現像容器内に
存在する現像剤はキャリア粒子と磁性トナーとから成る
二成分現像剤である。また、該トナー供給手段は交換自
在に装着されるトナーカートリッジを含み、該トナーカ
ートリッジに収容されている磁性トナーが該トナー受入
口を通して該ホッパ容器に送給される。A typical example of the toner is a micromagnetic toner containing 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of a magnetic material. Preferably, the magnetic permeability detector has a form in which the output voltage changes according to the magnetic resistance, and the determining means makes the determination based on the amount of change in the output voltage. Alternatively, the determination means makes the determination based on the integrated value of the output voltage during the predetermined time. The periodic flow means is constituted by a rotary flow member that is rotationally driven and has a tip portion slidingly rubbing the magnetic permeability detection surface of the magnetic permeability detector, and a rotation center axis line of the rotary flow member is Suitably, it extends substantially parallel to the permeability detection surface of the permeability detector. The rotary flow member is conveniently formed from a synthetic resin film such as a polyethylene terephthalate film. The permeability detecting surface of the permeability detector has an inclination angle θ of 0 ° <θ ≦ 90 °, particularly 30 ° ≦ θ ≦ 60 ° with respect to the horizontal, and the tip of the rotary flow member has the permeability. It is preferable to rotate the magnetic permeability detection surface of the magnetic susceptibility detector in a direction in which the magnetic susceptibility detection surface rubs from below to above. A cleaning unit that acts on the rear surface in the rotation direction of the rotating fluid member to remove the adhered toner can be provided. The cleaning means is composed of a rotary cleaning member that is driven to rotate, and a rotation center axis of the rotation cleaning member extends substantially parallel to a rotation center axis of the rotary fluid member, and a rotation direction of the rotation cleaning member and It is preferable that the rotation direction of the rotary flow member is opposite to that of the rotary flow member, and that the tip of the rotary cleaning member acts on the rear surface of the rotary flow member in the rotary direction. The rotary cleaning member is also preferably formed of a synthetic resin film such as polyethylene terephthalate film. The predetermined region is in the magnetic toner transport path, and at least one factor relating to toner transport changes between the upstream side and the downstream side of the predetermined region, so that toner retention is generated in the predetermined region. Is preferred. The toner retention is such that the carrying capacity of the upstream toner carrying means arranged upstream of the predetermined area is larger than the carrying capacity of the downstream toner carrying means arranged downstream of the predetermined area. Due to
Alternatively, it may be generated due to the toner transport direction being abruptly changed in the predetermined region. Preferably, the predetermined region is formed with a recess for forming a toner reservoir, and the periodic flow means also acts on the toner existing in the recess. In a preferred embodiment,
The developing device includes a developing container, a developer applying unit for applying a developer existing in the developing container to an electrostatic latent image to be developed, and a toner supplying unit for supplying a magnetic toner to the developing container. A hopper container in which the toner supply means is provided with a toner transport path having a toner receiving port and a toner discharge port communicating with the developing container;
And a transport unit for transporting the magnetic toner through the toner transport path, and the predetermined region is in the toner transport path formed in the hopper container. The developer present in the developing container is a two-component developer composed of carrier particles and magnetic toner. Further, the toner supply means includes a toner cartridge that is replaceably mounted, and the magnetic toner accommodated in the toner cartridge is fed to the hopper container through the toner receiving port.
【0010】[0010]
【作用】本発明の現像装置によれば、透磁率検出器の透
磁率検出面に向けてトナーを周期的に流動せしめること
によって透磁率検出器の出力信号を周期的に変動せしめ
ると共に、透磁率検出器の出力信号の絶対値そのもので
はなくて出力信号を適宜に分析して、例えば所定時間中
の出力電圧の変動量に基いて、或いは所定時間中の出力
電圧の積分値に基いて、充分な量のトナーが存在するか
否かを判別する故に、雰囲気温度の変化に起因して透磁
率検出器の出力信号が変化せしめられても、誤検出が発
生することはない。また、透磁率検出器の透磁率検出面
には周期的にトナーが流動せしめられる故に、透磁率検
出器の透磁率検出面にトナーが付着することが効果的に
回避され、従って透磁率検出面へのトナー付着に起因す
る誤検出も充分効果的に回避される。更に、本発明の現
像装置においては、実質上非磁性である或いは磁性が相
当大きい等の規格該のトナーが補給された場合には、ト
ナー検出手段は充分なトナーが存在すると判別せず、従
って規格外のトナーを誤って補給したことを使用者に認
識せしめることもできる。According to the developing device of the present invention, the toner is periodically made to flow toward the magnetic permeability detecting surface of the magnetic permeability detector so that the output signal of the magnetic permeability detector is periodically changed and the magnetic permeability is also changed. The output signal of the detector is not the absolute value itself, but the output signal is appropriately analyzed, for example, based on the variation of the output voltage during a predetermined time, or based on the integrated value of the output voltage during a predetermined time, Since it is determined whether or not a large amount of toner is present, erroneous detection does not occur even if the output signal of the magnetic permeability detector is changed due to a change in ambient temperature. Further, since the toner periodically flows on the magnetic permeability detecting surface of the magnetic permeability detector, toner is effectively prevented from adhering to the magnetic permeability detecting surface of the magnetic permeability detector. False detection due to toner adhesion to the toner can be effectively avoided. Further, in the developing device of the present invention, when the toner of the standard which is substantially non-magnetic or has a considerably large magnetism is replenished, the toner detecting means cannot judge that there is sufficient toner, and It is also possible to let the user recognize that the nonstandard toner has been erroneously supplied.
【0011】[0011]
【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明に従って構成された
現像装置の好適実施形態について、添付図面を参照して
更に詳細に説明する。BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of a developing device constructed according to the present invention will be described below in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
【0012】図1及び図2を参照して説明すると、図示
の現像装置は、現像容器2とこの現像容器2にトナーを
供給するためのトナー供給手段4とを具備している。図
2に簡略に図示する如く、現像容器2には現像剤適用手
段6が配設されている。現像剤適用手段6は回転スリー
ブ部材とこの回転スリーブ部材内に配設されている静止
磁石部材とを含み、現像容器2内に存在する現像剤を回
転スリーブ部材の周表面に保持して現像域8に運び、現
像域8において回転ドラム10の周表面に形成されてい
る静電潜像に適用し、これによって静電潜像をトナー像
に現像する。現像剤はキャリア粒子とトナーとから成る
二成分現像剤でよい。現像容器2内には、現像剤を攪拌
してトナーを帯電せしめると共に所要搬送経路を通して
搬送するための現像剤攪拌搬送手段(図示していない)
も配設されている。また、現像容器2内の現像剤中のト
ナー濃度を検出するためのトナー濃度検出手段(図示し
ていない)も配設されており、現像剤中のトナー濃度が
所定値以下になると、トナー供給手段4が作動せしめら
れて、トナー供給手段4から現像容器2にトナーが供給
される。トナー濃度検出手段は現像剤の磁気抵抗に応じ
て出力電圧が変化する透磁率検出器から構成することが
できる。現像容器2並びにこれに配設されている現像剤
適用手段6、現像剤攪拌手段及びトナー濃度検出手段
は、本発明に従って構成された図示の現像装置における
新規な特徴を構成するものではなく、それら自体の構成
は周知の形態でよく、従ってそれらの構成の詳細につい
ては、本明細書においては説明を省略する。Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the developing device shown in the drawing comprises a developing container 2 and a toner supplying means 4 for supplying toner to the developing container 2. As schematically shown in FIG. 2, the developer container 2 is provided with a developer applying unit 6. The developer applying means 6 includes a rotating sleeve member and a stationary magnet member arranged in the rotating sleeve member, and holds the developer existing in the developing container 2 on the peripheral surface of the rotating sleeve member to develop the developing area. 8 is applied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the peripheral surface of the rotating drum 10 in the developing area 8 to develop the electrostatic latent image into a toner image. The developer may be a two-component developer composed of carrier particles and toner. In the developing container 2, a developer agitating / conveying means (not shown) for agitating the developer to charge the toner and conveying it through a required conveying path.
Are also provided. Further, a toner concentration detecting means (not shown) for detecting the toner concentration in the developer in the developing container 2 is also provided, and when the toner concentration in the developer becomes a predetermined value or less, the toner is supplied. The means 4 is operated to supply the toner from the toner supply means 4 to the developing container 2. The toner concentration detecting means can be composed of a magnetic permeability detector whose output voltage changes according to the magnetic resistance of the developer. The developing container 2, the developer applying means 6, the developer stirring means, and the toner concentration detecting means arranged therein do not constitute the novel features of the developing device shown in the drawings constructed according to the present invention. The configuration of itself may be a well-known form, and therefore the detailed description of these configurations will be omitted in this specification.
【0013】図1及び図2を参照して説明を続けると、
トナー供給手段4はホッパ容器12とトナーカートリッ
ジ14とから構成されている。ホッパ容器12は全体と
して略矩形状である箱状容器本体16を含んでいる。こ
の容器本体16は4側壁18、20、22及び24と共
に底壁26を有する。図2を参照することによって理解
される如く、底壁26の主部(後述する凹部を除く部
分)上面は、隣接して位置する2個の弧状部28及び3
0を有する。底壁26上には2個の弧状部28及び30
間を延びる直立仕切壁32が形成されている。仕切壁3
2は底壁26上を長手方向(図2において紙面に垂直な
方向)に延在せしめられているが、容器本体16の長手
方向両端部には存在しない。かくして、容器本体16内
には、仕切壁32で仕切られた相互に平行に延びるトナ
ー搬送経路34及び36が規定されており、かかるトナ
ー搬送経路34及び36は容器本体16の両端部、即ち
仕切壁32が存在しない部分、において横方向に連通せ
しめられている。トナー搬送経路36の中間部におい
て、底壁26にはトナー排出口38が形成されている。
かかるトナー排出口38は、ホッパ容器12の下方に配
設されている現像容器2内に連通せしめられており、後
に更に詳述する如く、ホッパ容器12からトナー排出口
38を通して現像容器2にトナーが供給される。ホッパ
容器12の上面は実質上平坦な上壁40によって覆われ
ている。トナー搬送経路34の片端部に対応した部位に
おいて、上壁40にはトナー受入口42が配設されてい
る。Continuing the description with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2,
The toner supply unit 4 is composed of a hopper container 12 and a toner cartridge 14. The hopper container 12 includes a box-shaped container body 16 having a substantially rectangular shape as a whole. The container body 16 has a bottom wall 26 with four side walls 18, 20, 22 and 24. As can be understood by referring to FIG. 2, the upper surface of the main portion (a portion other than the recessed portion described later) of the bottom wall 26 has two arcuate portions 28 and 3 located adjacent to each other.
Has zero. Two arcuate portions 28 and 30 are provided on the bottom wall 26.
An upright partition wall 32 extending therethrough is formed. Partition wall 3
2 extends on the bottom wall 26 in the longitudinal direction (direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 2), but does not exist at both ends of the container body 16 in the longitudinal direction. Thus, inside the container body 16, toner transport paths 34 and 36 which are partitioned by the partition wall 32 and extend parallel to each other are defined. The toner transport paths 34 and 36 are defined at both ends of the container body 16, that is, the partition wall. The portion where the wall 32 does not exist is communicated in the lateral direction. A toner discharge port 38 is formed in the bottom wall 26 at an intermediate portion of the toner transport path 36.
The toner discharge port 38 is communicated with the developing container 2 disposed below the hopper container 12, and the toner is discharged from the hopper container 12 to the developing container 2 through the toner discharge port 38 as will be described in detail later. Is supplied. The upper surface of the hopper container 12 is covered by a substantially flat upper wall 40. A toner receiving port 42 is provided in the upper wall 40 at a portion corresponding to one end of the toner transport path 34.
【0014】ホッパ容器12内に形成されている上記ト
ナー搬送経路34及び36には、全体を番号44で示す
搬送手段が配設されている。この搬送手段44は、トナ
ー搬送経路34に沿って延びる回転軸46と、トナー搬
送経路36に沿って延びる回転軸48とを含んでいる。
回転軸46及び48はホッパ容器12の側壁18及び2
0間に回転自在に装着されている。回転軸46及び48
は伝動歯車の如き適宜の伝動機構(図示していない)を
介して電動モータ(図示していない)に駆動連結されて
おり、電動モータが付勢されると回転軸46は矢印50
で示す方向に回転軸48は矢印52で示す方向に回転駆
動せしめられる。回転軸46の両端には円板47及び4
9が形成されている。回転軸46の主部、即ち両端部を
除く部分には、連続して延びる螺旋羽根54が形成され
ている。回転軸46の両端部の各々においては、回転軸
46の周表面から半径方向に延びる矩形状の1枚の送り
片56及び58が形成されている。かかる送り片56及
び58の軸線方向外端は円板47及び49の内面に接続
されている。他方の回転軸48の両端にも円板59及び
61が形成されている。回転軸48の主部、即ち両端部
を除く部分には、2枚の螺旋羽根60及び62が形成さ
れている。そして、螺旋羽根60と螺旋羽根62との間
においては、回転軸48の周表面から半径方向に延びる
4枚の送り片64が相互に90度の角度間隔をおいて形
成されている。4枚の送り片64が形成されている部位
は、上記トナー排出口38が形成されている部位に対応
し、4枚の送り片64はトナー排出口38の上方に位置
する。回転軸48の両端部の各々には、回転軸48の周
表面から半径方向に延びる矩形状の1枚の送り片66及
び68が形成されている。かかる送り片66及び68の
軸線方向外端は円板59及び61の内面に接続されてい
る。回転軸48の片端部には、送り片66に加えて、略
180度の角度範囲に渡って延びる2枚の短螺旋羽根7
0及び72も形成されている。かかる2枚の短螺旋羽根
70及び72は送り片66に関して直径方向反対側に配
置されている。The toner conveying paths 34 and 36 formed in the hopper container 12 are provided with conveying means indicated by numeral 44 as a whole. The transport unit 44 includes a rotary shaft 46 extending along the toner transport path 34 and a rotary shaft 48 extending along the toner transport path 36.
The rotating shafts 46 and 48 are the side walls 18 and 2 of the hopper container 12.
It is mounted rotatably between zero. Rotating shafts 46 and 48
Is drivingly connected to an electric motor (not shown) via an appropriate transmission mechanism (not shown) such as a transmission gear, and when the electric motor is energized, the rotary shaft 46 is rotated by an arrow 50.
The rotary shaft 48 is driven to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow 52 in the direction indicated by arrow 52. At both ends of the rotary shaft 46, there are discs 47 and 4
9 are formed. A spiral blade 54 that extends continuously is formed on the main portion of the rotating shaft 46, that is, on the portion excluding both ends. At each of both ends of the rotary shaft 46, one rectangular feed piece 56 and 58 extending in the radial direction from the peripheral surface of the rotary shaft 46 is formed. The axially outer ends of the feed pieces 56 and 58 are connected to the inner surfaces of the disks 47 and 49. Discs 59 and 61 are also formed at both ends of the other rotating shaft 48. Two spiral blades 60 and 62 are formed on the main part of the rotary shaft 48, that is, on the part excluding both ends. Then, between the spiral blade 60 and the spiral blade 62, four feeding pieces 64 extending in the radial direction from the peripheral surface of the rotary shaft 48 are formed at an angular interval of 90 degrees from each other. The portion where the four feeding pieces 64 are formed corresponds to the portion where the toner discharge port 38 is formed, and the four feeding pieces 64 are located above the toner discharge port 38. On each of both ends of the rotary shaft 48, one rectangular feed piece 66 and 68 extending in the radial direction from the peripheral surface of the rotary shaft 48 is formed. The axially outer ends of the feeding pieces 66 and 68 are connected to the inner surfaces of the disks 59 and 61. At one end of the rotary shaft 48, in addition to the feed piece 66, two short spiral blades 7 extending over an angle range of about 180 degrees.
0 and 72 are also formed. The two short spiral blades 70 and 72 are arranged diametrically opposite to each other with respect to the feed piece 66.
【0015】図1に明確に図示する如く、トナー供給手
段4のトナーカートリッジ14は中空容器形態であり、
ホッパ容器12の上方に交換自在に装着される。かかる
トナーカートリッジ14の底面にはトナー供給口(図示
していない)が形成されている。かかるトナー供給口は
トナーカートリッジ14を所要位置に装着するまでは適
宜の密封部材によって密封されているが、トナーカート
リッジ14を所要位置に装着する際に開封され、ホッパ
容器12の上壁40に形成されている上記トナー受入口
42に連通せしめられる。トナーカートリッジ14内に
は、更に、内部に収容されているトナーを上記トナー供
給口に向けて搬送せしめるトナー搬送手段(図示してい
ない)も配設されている。かかるトナー搬送手段は回転
螺旋羽根等から構成することができる。トナーカートリ
ッジ14内に収容されているトナーは、トナーカートリ
ッジ14に形成されているトナー供給口及びホッパ容器
12に形成されているトナー受入口42を通してホッパ
容器12内に落下せしめられる。ホッパ容器12内にお
いては、電動モータ(図示していない)が付勢されて回
転軸46及び48が矢印50及び52で示す方向に回転
駆動せしめられると、回転軸46の片端部に形成されて
いる送り片56の作用によって、トナー受入口42を通
して落下せしめられたトナーがトナー搬送路34内に強
制される。そして、回転軸46に形成されている螺旋羽
根54の作用によって、トナー搬送経路34に沿って矢
印74で示す方向にトナーが搬送される。ホッパ容器1
2の他端部においては、回転軸46に形成されている送
り片58の作用によって、矢印76で示す如くトナー搬
送路34からトナー搬送路36にトナーが移送される。
そして、トナー搬送路36においては、回転軸48に形
成されている螺旋羽根70、72及び60の作用によっ
てトナーが矢印78で示す方向にトナー排出口38に向
けて搬送される。次いで、回転軸48に形成されている
送り片64の作用によって、トナーが下方に強制されて
トナー排出口38を通して落下され、現像容器2に供給
される。トナー排出口38を通して落下されなかったト
ナーは、回転軸48に形成されている螺旋羽根62の作
用によって更に矢印78で示す方向に搬送され、そして
ホッパ容器12の片端部において、回転軸48に形成さ
れている送り片68の作用によってトナー搬送路36か
らトナー搬送経路34に移送される。As clearly shown in FIG. 1, the toner cartridge 14 of the toner supply means 4 is in the form of a hollow container.
It is replaceably mounted above the hopper container 12. A toner supply port (not shown) is formed on the bottom surface of the toner cartridge 14. The toner supply port is sealed by an appropriate sealing member until the toner cartridge 14 is mounted at a required position, but is opened when the toner cartridge 14 is mounted at a required position and is formed on the upper wall 40 of the hopper container 12. The toner is received by the toner receiving port 42. Further, inside the toner cartridge 14, a toner conveying means (not shown) for conveying the toner contained therein toward the toner supply port is also arranged. The toner conveying means can be composed of a rotating spiral blade or the like. The toner accommodated in the toner cartridge 14 is dropped into the hopper container 12 through the toner supply port formed in the toner cartridge 14 and the toner receiving port 42 formed in the hopper container 12. In the hopper container 12, when an electric motor (not shown) is urged to rotate the rotary shafts 46 and 48 in the directions indicated by arrows 50 and 52, they are formed at one end of the rotary shaft 46. Due to the action of the feeding piece 56, the toner dropped through the toner receiving port 42 is forced into the toner conveying path 34. Then, due to the action of the spiral blade 54 formed on the rotary shaft 46, the toner is transported along the toner transport path 34 in the direction indicated by the arrow 74. Hopper container 1
At the other end of 2, the toner is transported from the toner transport path 34 to the toner transport path 36 by the action of the feed piece 58 formed on the rotating shaft 46, as shown by the arrow 76.
Then, in the toner carrying path 36, the toner is carried toward the toner discharge port 38 in the direction shown by the arrow 78 by the action of the spiral blades 70, 72 and 60 formed on the rotary shaft 48. Next, the toner is forced downward by the action of the feeding piece 64 formed on the rotary shaft 48, drops through the toner discharge port 38, and is supplied to the developing container 2. The toner not dropped through the toner outlet 38 is further conveyed in the direction shown by the arrow 78 by the action of the spiral blade 62 formed on the rotary shaft 48, and is formed on the rotary shaft 48 at one end of the hopper container 12. By the action of the feeding piece 68, the toner is conveyed from the toner conveying path 36 to the toner conveying path 34.
【0016】トナーカートリッジ14に収容されている
トナー、従ってトナーカートリッジ14から排出され、
ホッパ容器12に形成されているトナー搬送経路34及
び36を通して搬送されて現像容器2に供給されるトナ
ーの好適例としては、特開平7−56384号公報に開
示されているトナーを挙げることができる。かかるトナ
ーは、比較的高価なCCA(帯電制御剤)を含有せしめ
ることに代えて、重量割合で0.1乃至5.0%の、マ
グネタイトの如き磁性材料を含有せしめたものである。
かようなトナーは通常CCAレストナーと称されてお
り、含有されている磁性材料に起因して若干の磁性を有
する所謂微磁性トナーである。The toner contained in the toner cartridge 14, and thus discharged from the toner cartridge 14,
As a preferable example of the toner which is conveyed through the toner conveying paths 34 and 36 formed in the hopper container 12 and is supplied to the developing container 2, the toner disclosed in JP-A-7-56384 can be cited. . Such a toner contains 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of a magnetic material such as magnetite, instead of containing a relatively expensive CCA (charge control agent).
Such a toner is usually called a CCA-less toner, and is a so-called micro-magnetic toner having some magnetism due to the contained magnetic material.
【0017】而して、本発明に従って構成された図示の
現像装置においては、上記ホッパ容器12内の所定領域
において充分な量のトナーが存在するか否かを検出する
トナー検出手段80が配設されていることが重要であ
る。図1及び図2を参照して説明すると、このトナー検
出手段80は、トナー搬送経路36の一端部に関連せし
めて配設された透磁率検出器82を含んでいる。更に詳
述すると、ホッパ容器12の底壁26乃至側壁24には
円形開口84が形成されている。透磁率検出器82の先
端部はかかる開口84内に位置せしめられており、透磁
率検出器82の円形先端面即ち透磁率検出面86は開口
84を通してトナー搬送経路36に露呈せしめられてい
る。露呈せしめられている透磁率検出面86は水平に対
して0度<θ≦90度、特に30度≦θ≦60度、であ
る傾斜角度θをなして傾斜せしめられているのが好まし
い。透磁率検出器82自体は、例えばティーディーケイ
(TDK)株式会社から商品名「TS0524LB」と
して販売されている差動トランス形透磁率検出器が、高
感度透磁率検出器として好適に使用され得る。かような
透磁率検出器82はその透磁率検出面86近傍の磁気抵
抗に応じて出力電圧が変化する、即ち透磁率検出面86
近傍に比較的多量の磁性材料が存在し磁性抵抗が小さい
場合は比較的大きな出力電圧を生成し、透磁率検出面8
6近傍に存在する磁性材料が比較的少量で磁性抵抗が大
きい場合には比較的小さい出力電圧を生成する。Thus, in the illustrated developing device constructed according to the present invention, the toner detecting means 80 for detecting whether or not a sufficient amount of toner is present in a predetermined area in the hopper container 12 is provided. Is important. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the toner detecting means 80 includes a magnetic permeability detector 82 arranged in association with one end of the toner conveying path 36. More specifically, a circular opening 84 is formed in the bottom wall 26 to the side wall 24 of the hopper container 12. The tip of the magnetic permeability detector 82 is positioned in the opening 84, and the circular tip surface of the magnetic permeability detector 82, that is, the magnetic permeability detecting surface 86 is exposed to the toner transport path 36 through the opening 84. It is preferable that the exposed magnetic permeability detection surface 86 is inclined with respect to the horizontal at an inclination angle θ of 0 ° <θ ≦ 90 °, particularly 30 ° ≦ θ ≦ 60 °. As the magnetic permeability detector 82 itself, for example, a differential transformer type magnetic permeability detector sold under the trade name “TS0524LB” by TDK Corporation can be suitably used as the high sensitivity magnetic permeability detector. . In such a magnetic permeability detector 82, the output voltage changes according to the magnetic resistance in the vicinity of the magnetic permeability detecting surface 86, that is, the magnetic permeability detecting surface 86.
When a relatively large amount of magnetic material is present in the vicinity and the magnetic resistance is small, a relatively large output voltage is generated and the magnetic permeability detection surface 8
When the magnetic material existing near 6 is a relatively small amount and the magnetic resistance is large, a relatively small output voltage is generated.
【0018】図1及び図2を参照して説明を続けると、
上記透磁率検出器82に関連せしめてホッパ容器12に
は周期的流動手段88及び清掃手段90も配設されてい
る。図示の実施形態における周期的流動手段88は、上
記回転軸48の一端部に形成されている送り片66に固
定された回転流動部材92から構成されている。この回
転流動部材92はポリエチレンテレフタレートフィルム
の如き適宜の合成樹脂フィルムから形成されているのが
好適である。回転流動部材92は、送り片66の矢印5
2で示す回転方向に見て前側面に接着等の適宜の方式に
よって固定された基部から、回転軸48の半径方向に延
出した矩形状である。回転流動部材92の延出長さは、
回転軸48の中心軸線から透磁率検出器82の透磁率検
出面86までの長さよりも相当長く設定されている。後
に更に詳述する如く、回転軸48が矢印52で示す方向
に回転駆動せしめられると、これに応じて回転流動部材
92も回転駆動せしめられ、その先端部が透磁率検出器
82の透磁率検出面86を下方から上方に向けて摺擦す
る。回転軸48と透磁率検出器82の透磁率検出面86
とは実質上平行であり、従って周期的流動手段88を構
成する回転流動部材92の回転中心軸線と透磁率検出器
82の透磁率検出面86とは実質上平行である。清掃手
段90は、上記回転軸46の一端部に形成されている送
り片58に固定された回転清掃部材94から構成されて
いる。この回転清掃部材94もポリエチレンテレフタレ
ートフィルムの如き適宜の合成樹脂フィルムから形成さ
れているのが好適である。回転清掃部材94は、接着等
の適宜の方式によって送り片58に固定された基部から
回転軸46の半径方向に延出した矩形状である。回転清
掃部材94の延出長さは、回転軸46の中心軸線からト
ナー搬送経路34とトナー搬送経路36の境界領域まで
の長さよりも相当長く設定されている。後に更に詳述す
る如く、回転軸46が矢印50で示す方向に回転駆動せ
しめられると、これに応じて回転清掃部材94も回転駆
動せしめられ、その先端部が周期的流動手段88を構成
する回転流動部材92の回転方向後面に作用する。回転
軸46と回転軸48とは相互に実質上平行であり、従っ
て周期的流動手段88を構成する回転流動部材92の回
転中心軸線と清掃手段90を構成する回転清掃部材94
の回転中心軸線とは相互に実質上平行である。また、回
転軸46の回転方向と回転軸48の回転方向とは逆であ
るので、周期的流動手段88を構成する回転流動部材9
2の回転方向と清掃手段90を構成する回転清掃部材9
4の回転方向とは逆である。Continuing the description with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2,
The hopper container 12 is also provided with a periodic flow means 88 and a cleaning means 90 in association with the magnetic permeability detector 82. The periodic flow means 88 in the illustrated embodiment is composed of a rotary flow member 92 fixed to a feed piece 66 formed at one end of the rotary shaft 48. The rotary flow member 92 is preferably formed of an appropriate synthetic resin film such as a polyethylene terephthalate film. The rotary fluid member 92 is provided with the arrow 5
It has a rectangular shape extending in the radial direction of the rotation shaft 48 from a base portion fixed to the front side surface by an appropriate method such as adhesion when viewed in the rotation direction shown by 2. The extension length of the rotary flow member 92 is
It is set to be considerably longer than the length from the central axis of the rotary shaft 48 to the magnetic permeability detection surface 86 of the magnetic permeability detector 82. As will be described in more detail later, when the rotary shaft 48 is driven to rotate in the direction shown by the arrow 52, the rotary flow member 92 is also driven to rotate in response to this, and the tip portion thereof detects the magnetic permeability of the magnetic permeability detector 82. The surface 86 is rubbed from bottom to top. The rotating shaft 48 and the magnetic permeability detecting surface 86 of the magnetic permeability detector 82.
Are substantially parallel to each other, and therefore the rotation center axis of the rotary flow member 92 constituting the periodic flow means 88 and the magnetic permeability detection surface 86 of the magnetic permeability detector 82 are substantially parallel to each other. The cleaning means 90 is composed of a rotary cleaning member 94 fixed to the feed piece 58 formed at one end of the rotary shaft 46. The rotary cleaning member 94 is also preferably formed of an appropriate synthetic resin film such as a polyethylene terephthalate film. The rotary cleaning member 94 has a rectangular shape extending in the radial direction of the rotary shaft 46 from a base fixed to the feed piece 58 by an appropriate method such as bonding. The extension length of the rotary cleaning member 94 is set to be considerably longer than the length from the central axis of the rotary shaft 46 to the boundary region between the toner transport path 34 and the toner transport path 36. As will be described in more detail later, when the rotary shaft 46 is driven to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow 50, the rotary cleaning member 94 is also driven to rotate in response to this, and the tip end thereof constitutes the periodic flow means 88. It acts on the rear surface of the flow member 92 in the rotational direction. The rotary shaft 46 and the rotary shaft 48 are substantially parallel to each other, and thus the rotation center axis of the rotary flow member 92 that constitutes the periodic flow means 88 and the rotary cleaning member 94 that constitutes the cleaning means 90.
Is substantially parallel to the rotation center axis of the. Further, since the rotating direction of the rotating shaft 46 and the rotating direction of the rotating shaft 48 are opposite to each other, the rotating fluidizing member 9 constituting the periodical fluidizing means 88.
2 rotation direction and rotation cleaning member 9 that constitutes the cleaning means 90
It is opposite to the rotation direction of No. 4.
【0019】図2に明確に図示する如く、ホッパ容器1
2の一端部においては、仕切壁32が存在しないことに
加えて、上記透磁率検出器82、周期的流動手段88及
び清掃手段90の配置領域に対応せしめて、他の部分よ
りも下方に没入せしめられた凹部96が形成されてい
る。かかる凹部96は、底壁26の上面を2個の弧状部
を有する形状ではなくて2個の弧状部の最下部よりも下
方に没入せしめられた単一弧状にせしめることによって
規定されている。周期的流動手段88を構成する回転流
動部材92の先端部は凹部96の表面をも摺擦する長さ
に設定されている。As clearly shown in FIG. 2, the hopper container 1
At one end of No. 2, the partition wall 32 does not exist, and in addition to the partition detector 32, the periodic flow means 88, and the cleaning means 90, corresponding to the arrangement region, the partition wall 32 is immersed below the other portions. The recessed portion 96 is formed. The recessed portion 96 is defined by making the upper surface of the bottom wall 26 not a shape having two arcuate portions but a single arcuate shape that is recessed below the lowermost portion of the two arcuate portions. The length of the tip of the rotary flow member 92 that constitutes the periodic flow means 88 is set so that the surface of the recess 96 is also rubbed.
【0020】図3に簡略に図示する如く、透磁率検出器
82の出力信号はマイクロプロセッサから構成すること
ができる判別手段98に送給され、判別手段98は透磁
率検出器82の出力信号を適宜に分析して、ホッパ容器
12の所定領域、即ちトナー搬送経路36の一端部にお
いて充分な量のトナーが存在するか否を判別する。この
点について更に詳述すると、トナーカートリッジ14内
には未だトナーが残留せしめられており、ホッパ容器1
2から現像容器2へのトナー供給に応じて、トナーカー
トリッジ14からホッパ容器12内にトナーが送給され
る場合には、図4に図示する如く、ホッパ容器12内の
トナー搬送経路34及び36には充分な量のトナー10
0が存在している。かような状態において、回転軸48
が矢印52で示す方向に回転せしめられると、トナー搬
送経路36の一端部において、回転軸48に配設された
回転流動部材92から構成された周期的流動手段88が
そこに存在するトナー100に作用し、周期的に、即ち
1回転毎に透磁率検出器82の透磁率検出面86にその
下方から上方に向けてトナー100を押し付けながら流
動せしめる。回転流動部材92の先端部が透磁率検出器
82の透磁率検出面86を摺擦する時にはトナー100
が透磁率検出面86に押圧せしめられるので、透磁率検
出器82が検出する磁気抵抗は相当小さく、従って透磁
率検出器82の出力電圧は相当大きい。一方、回転流動
部材92の先端部が透磁率検出器82の透磁率検出面8
6を通過すると、透磁率検出面86に対するトナー10
0の押圧が消失し、従って透磁率検出器82の出力電圧
が低下する。しかしながら、図4を参照することによっ
て容易に理解される如く、ホッパ容器12内に充分な量
のトナー100が存在せしめられている時には、回転流
動部材92の先端部が透磁率検出面86を通過した直後
においても、透磁率検出面86の近傍には未だ多量のト
ナー100が存在している。従って、回転流動部材92
の先端部が透磁率検出面86を通過した後における透磁
率検出器82の出力電圧の低下量は比較的小さい。一
方、トナーカートリッジ14内のトナー100が実質上
消尽され、しかる後においてもホッパ容器12から現像
容器2にトナー100が供給され続けると、図5に図示
する如く、ホッパ容器12内に存在するトナー100の
量が著しく減少せしめられる。かような状態において、
回転軸48が矢印52で示す方向に回転せしめられる
と、回転軸48に配設されている回転流動部材92の先
端部がトナー100を流動せしめて透磁率検出器82の
透磁率検出面86に押し付けている時には、かかるトナ
ー100に起因して透磁率検出器82の出力電圧は比較
的大きい。しかしながら、図5を参照することによって
容易に理解されるとおり、回転流動部材92の先端部が
透磁率検出面86を通過した直後においては、透磁率検
出面86の近傍には僅かなトナー100しか存在しなく
なり、従って透磁率検出器82の出力電圧は大幅に低下
する。As schematically shown in FIG. 3, the output signal of the magnetic permeability detector 82 is sent to the discriminating means 98 which can be constituted by a microprocessor, and the discriminating means 98 outputs the output signal of the magnetic permeability detector 82. By performing an appropriate analysis, it is determined whether or not there is a sufficient amount of toner in a predetermined area of the hopper container 12, that is, one end of the toner transport path 36. If this point is explained further in detail, the toner is still left in the toner cartridge 14, and the hopper container 1
When the toner is fed from the toner cartridge 14 into the hopper container 12 in response to the toner feeding from the developing container 2 to the developing container 2, the toner carrying paths 34 and 36 in the hopper container 12 are shown in FIG. A sufficient amount of toner 10
0 is present. In such a state, the rotary shaft 48
When the toner is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow 52, the periodical flow means 88 constituted by the rotary flow member 92 arranged on the rotary shaft 48 is attached to the toner 100 present at one end of the toner transport path 36. The toner 100 is caused to flow cyclically, that is, every rotation, while pressing the toner 100 from the lower side to the upper side of the magnetic permeability detection surface 86 of the magnetic permeability detector 82. When the tip of the rotary flow member 92 rubs against the magnetic permeability detection surface 86 of the magnetic permeability detector 82, the toner 100
Is pressed against the magnetic permeability detection surface 86, the magnetic resistance detected by the magnetic permeability detector 82 is considerably small, and therefore the output voltage of the magnetic permeability detector 82 is considerably large. On the other hand, the tip of the rotating fluid member 92 is the magnetic permeability detection surface 8 of the magnetic permeability detector 82.
6, the toner 10 on the magnetic permeability detection surface 86
The pressing of 0 disappears, so that the output voltage of the magnetic permeability detector 82 decreases. However, as will be easily understood by referring to FIG. 4, when the toner 100 in a sufficient amount is present in the hopper container 12, the tip of the rotary flow member 92 passes through the magnetic permeability detection surface 86. Immediately after that, a large amount of toner 100 still exists near the magnetic permeability detection surface 86. Therefore, the rotary flow member 92
The amount of decrease in the output voltage of the magnetic permeability detector 82 after the tip of the magnetic disk passes the magnetic permeability detecting surface 86 is relatively small. On the other hand, when the toner 100 in the toner cartridge 14 is substantially exhausted and the toner 100 is continuously supplied from the hopper container 12 to the developing container 2 even after that, as shown in FIG. The amount of 100 is significantly reduced. In such a state,
When the rotary shaft 48 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow 52, the tip end portion of the rotary flow member 92 arranged on the rotary shaft 48 causes the toner 100 to flow and the magnetic permeability detection surface 86 of the magnetic permeability detector 82 is exposed. When pressed, the output voltage of the magnetic permeability detector 82 is relatively large due to the toner 100. However, as will be easily understood by referring to FIG. 5, immediately after the tip of the rotary flow member 92 has passed the magnetic permeability detection surface 86, a small amount of toner 100 is present in the vicinity of the magnetic permeability detection surface 86. It no longer exists and thus the output voltage of the permeability detector 82 drops significantly.
【0021】図6は次のとおりの実験を遂行して得た透
磁率検出器82の出力電圧の実測データの一例である。
実験においては、図1及び図2に図示するとおりの形態
のホッパ容器12を使用し、ホッパ容器12内を上述し
たとおりの微磁性トナーで満たした。次いで、回転軸4
6及び48を連続的に回転せしめ、ホッパ容器12内か
らトナー排出口38を通してトナー100を排出した。
トナー受入口42からホッパ容器12にトナー100を
供給することはなかった。従って、時間の経過と共にホ
ッパ容器12内のトナー100の量は漸次低減せしめら
れた。図6に図示する実測データにおいて、時間T1の
時点においては、ホッパ容器12内に比較的多量のトナ
ー100が存在していた。この間においては、回転流動
部材92によるトナー100の周期的流動に起因する透
磁率検出器82の出力電圧の変動量L1は比較的小さい
ことが理解される。時間T1から時間T2までの間にお
いては、透磁率検出器82の出力電圧の変動量が漸次増
大している。そして、時間T2を越えると透磁率検出器
82の出力電圧の変動量L2は比較的大きい値に安定す
る。時間T2以後においては、透磁率検出器82が配設
されている領域に存在するトナー100の量が著しく低
減せしめられ、図5に図示する如き状態であった。FIG. 6 shows an example of actually measured data of the output voltage of the magnetic permeability detector 82 obtained by carrying out the following experiment.
In the experiment, a hopper container 12 having a configuration as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 was used, and the hopper container 12 was filled with the above-described fine magnetic toner. Then, the rotating shaft 4
6 and 48 were continuously rotated, and the toner 100 was discharged from the inside of the hopper container 12 through the toner discharge port 38.
The toner 100 was not supplied from the toner receiving port 42 to the hopper container 12. Therefore, the amount of the toner 100 in the hopper container 12 was gradually reduced with the lapse of time. In the actual measurement data shown in FIG. 6, a relatively large amount of toner 100 was present in the hopper container 12 at time T1. During this period, it is understood that the fluctuation amount L1 of the output voltage of the magnetic permeability detector 82 due to the periodical flow of the toner 100 by the rotating flow member 92 is relatively small. From time T1 to time T2, the amount of change in the output voltage of the magnetic permeability detector 82 gradually increases. When the time T2 is exceeded, the fluctuation amount L2 of the output voltage of the magnetic permeability detector 82 stabilizes at a relatively large value. After the time T2, the amount of the toner 100 existing in the region where the magnetic permeability detector 82 is arranged is remarkably reduced, and the state is as shown in FIG.
【0022】図4乃至図6と共に図3を参照して説明す
ると、上記判別手段98は透磁率検出器82の出力信
号、即ちホッパ容器12内のトナー100の量に応じて
図6に図示する如くに変化する出力電圧を分析して判別
する。図6に図示する実測データの一例から明白に理解
されるとおり、ホッパ容器12内に充分な量のトナー1
00が存在している場合には、回転軸48が回転せしめ
られた時の透磁率検出器82の出力電圧の変動量L1は
比較的小さい。これに対して、ホッパ容器12内のトナ
ー100の量が著しく低減せしめられると、回転軸48
が回転せしめられた時の透磁率検出器82の出力電圧の
変動量L2は相当大きくなる。かかる事実に鑑み、判別
手段98は、回転軸48が回転せしめられ、周期的流動
手段88がトナーを周期的に流動せしめている時の、出
力電圧の変動量を分析して判別する。例えば、出力電圧
の1波形毎に最大値と最小値との差Lを算出し、かかる
Lが所定回数(例えば3回)継続して所定閾値を越えた
場合には、ホッパ容器12内に充分な量のトナー100
が存在しない、換言すればホッパ容器12内のトナー1
00の量が著しく低減したことを示すトナー補給信号を
生成する。所望ならば、これに代えて、所定時間中、例
えば10秒間(図6の実測データ例ではD1で示す時間
間隔が10秒であった)、における透磁率検出器82の
出力電圧の最大値と最小値との差Lを算出し、かかる差
Lが所定閾値より大きいか否かを判断し、そして差Lが
所定閾値よりも大きい場合には、ホッパ容器12内に充
分な量のトナー100が存在しないことを示すトナー補
給信号を生成するようになすこともできる。判別手段9
8がトナー補給信号を生成すると、警告ランプでよい警
告手段102が付勢され、かくしてトナー補給の必要性
が発生していること、換言すればトナーカートリッジ1
4を新しいものに交換する必要が発生していることが使
用者に警告される。Referring to FIG. 3 together with FIGS. 4 to 6, the discrimination means 98 is shown in FIG. 6 according to the output signal of the magnetic permeability detector 82, that is, the amount of the toner 100 in the hopper container 12. The output voltage that changes as described above is analyzed and determined. As can be clearly understood from the example of the actual measurement data shown in FIG. 6, a sufficient amount of the toner 1 is stored in the hopper container 12.
When 00 is present, the fluctuation amount L1 of the output voltage of the magnetic permeability detector 82 when the rotary shaft 48 is rotated is relatively small. On the other hand, when the amount of the toner 100 in the hopper container 12 is significantly reduced, the rotating shaft 48
The fluctuation amount L2 of the output voltage of the magnetic permeability detector 82 when rotated is considerably large. In consideration of such a fact, the determination unit 98 analyzes and determines the variation amount of the output voltage when the rotation shaft 48 is rotated and the periodic flow unit 88 is caused to periodically flow the toner. For example, the difference L between the maximum value and the minimum value is calculated for each waveform of the output voltage, and when the L exceeds a predetermined threshold value for a predetermined number of times (for example, 3 times), the hopper container 12 is sufficiently filled. Amount of toner 100
Does not exist, in other words, the toner 1 in the hopper container 12
A toner replenishment signal indicating that the amount of 00 has been significantly reduced. If desired, instead of this, the maximum value of the output voltage of the magnetic permeability detector 82 during a predetermined time, for example, 10 seconds (the time interval indicated by D1 in the actual measurement data example of FIG. 6 was 10 seconds), The difference L from the minimum value is calculated, and it is determined whether or not the difference L is larger than a predetermined threshold value. If the difference L is larger than the predetermined threshold value, a sufficient amount of toner 100 is stored in the hopper container 12. It is also possible to generate a toner replenishment signal indicating the absence. Discrimination means 9
8 generates a toner replenishment signal, the warning means 102, which may be a warning lamp, is energized, thus requiring the toner replenishment, in other words, the toner cartridge 1
The user is warned that it is necessary to replace 4 with a new one.
【0023】而して、本発明者等の実験によれば、上述
した作動トランス形透磁率検出器82の出力電圧は雰囲
気温度の影響を受け、雰囲気温度が上昇すると透磁率検
出器82の出力電圧値が上昇せしめられ、図6において
出力波形が全体をして上方へ移動せしめられる傾向があ
る。トナー100が微磁性トナーであり、トナー100
の磁気抵抗が比較的大きい場合には、透磁率検出器82
の出力電圧の絶対値は比較的小さく、従って透磁率検出
器82の出力電圧の絶対値に基いて判別せんとすると、
雰囲気温度に起因して判別に誤りが発生する虞が少なく
ない。しかしながら、雰囲気温度の変動に起因する透磁
率検出器82の出力電圧の変化は、図6における出力波
形が全体的に上方又は下方に移動する傾向を示す。それ
故に、雰囲気温度が変化しても所定時間中における出力
電圧の変動量(最大値と最小値との差)における変化は
比較的僅かである。それ故に、上述した如く、回転軸4
8が回転せしめられ、周期的流動手段88がトナーを周
期的に流動せしめている時に、所定時間における透磁率
検出器82の出力電圧の変動量を判別するようになせ
ば、実質上誤りを発生せしめることなく、ホッパ容器1
2に充分な量のトナー100が存在するか否かを検出す
ることができる。According to experiments conducted by the present inventors, the output voltage of the operating transformer type permeability detector 82 described above is affected by the ambient temperature, and when the ambient temperature rises, the output of the permeability detector 82 is increased. The voltage value is increased, and the output waveform in FIG. 6 tends to be moved upward as a whole. Toner 100 is a fine magnetic toner, and toner 100
When the magnetic resistance of is relatively large, the magnetic permeability detector 82
The absolute value of the output voltage of is relatively small. Therefore, if a determination is made based on the absolute value of the output voltage of the magnetic permeability detector 82,
It is not uncommon to make an error in the determination due to the ambient temperature. However, the change in the output voltage of the magnetic permeability detector 82 due to the change in the ambient temperature tends to cause the output waveform in FIG. 6 to move upward or downward as a whole. Therefore, even if the ambient temperature changes, the change in the variation amount (difference between the maximum value and the minimum value) of the output voltage during the predetermined time is relatively small. Therefore, as described above, the rotating shaft 4
When 8 is rotated and the periodic flow means 88 is causing the toner to flow periodically, if an amount of change in the output voltage of the magnetic permeability detector 82 during a predetermined time is discriminated, a substantial error occurs. Hopper container 1 without straining
It is possible to detect whether or not there is a sufficient amount of toner 100 in 2.
【0024】上述した実施形態においては、判別手段9
8は、透磁率検出器82の出力電圧の変動量を分析して
判別しているが、所望ならば、これに代えて透磁率検出
器82の出力電圧の、例えば10秒間でよい所定時間中
における積分値に基いて、充分な量のトナー100が存
在するか否かを判別することもできる。この場合にも、
図6を参照することによって容易に理解される如く、雰
囲気温度の変化に起因して誤りが発生する虞は皆無乃至
著しく小さい。In the above embodiment, the discrimination means 9
No. 8 analyzes and discriminates the fluctuation amount of the output voltage of the magnetic permeability detector 82. However, if desired, instead of this, during the predetermined time of the output voltage of the magnetic permeability detector 82, which may be, for example, 10 seconds. It is also possible to determine whether or not there is a sufficient amount of toner 100 based on the integral value in. Again, in this case,
As will be easily understood by referring to FIG. 6, there is no or extremely small possibility that an error will occur due to the change in the ambient temperature.
【0025】上述したトナー検出手段80によるトナー
100の検出における誤りの発生を充分確実に回避する
ために、本発明に従って構成された現像装置の図示の実
施形態においては、次のとおりの技術的構成が採用され
ていることも留意されるべきである。In order to satisfactorily avoid the occurrence of an error in the detection of the toner 100 by the toner detection means 80 described above, in the illustrated embodiment of the developing device constructed according to the present invention, the following technical construction is used. It should also be noted that has been adopted.
【0026】図2を参照して既に言及した如く、透磁率
検出器82の透磁率検出面86は水平に対して0度<θ
≦90度、特に30度≦θ≦60度の傾斜角度をなすよ
うに配設され、そして回転流動部材92は透磁率検出器
82の透磁率検出面86を下方から上方に向けて摺擦す
るように構成されている。かような構成により、トナー
100が透磁率検出器82の透磁率検出面86に付着乃
至滞留し、透磁率検出器82の出力電圧に悪影響を及ぼ
すことが充分確実に回避される。透磁率検出器82の透
磁率検出面86が水平に対して90度以上の傾斜角度を
なして傾斜する場合、或いは回転流動部材92が上方か
ら下方に透磁率検出器82の透磁率検出面86を摺擦す
るようになす場合には、若干ではあるが透磁率検出器8
2の透磁率検出面86にトナー100が過剰に押圧され
そこに付着乃至滞留せしめられる傾向がある。As already mentioned with reference to FIG. 2, the magnetic permeability detecting surface 86 of the magnetic permeability detector 82 has a horizontal angle of 0 ° <θ.
It is arranged so as to form an inclination angle of ≦ 90 degrees, especially 30 degrees ≦ θ ≦ 60 degrees, and the rotary flow member 92 rubs the magnetic permeability detection surface 86 of the magnetic permeability detector 82 from the lower side to the upper side. Is configured. With such a configuration, it is possible to sufficiently surely prevent the toner 100 from adhering to or staying on the magnetic permeability detecting surface 86 of the magnetic permeability detector 82 and adversely affecting the output voltage of the magnetic permeability detector 82. When the magnetic permeability detection surface 86 of the magnetic permeability detector 82 is inclined at an angle of 90 degrees or more with respect to the horizontal, or when the rotary flow member 92 is inclined from the upper side to the lower side, the magnetic permeability detection surface 86 of the magnetic permeability detector 82. When it is rubbed against the magnetic field, the magnetic permeability detector 8
The toner 100 tends to be excessively pressed against the magnetic permeability detection surface 86 of No. 2 and adhere or stay there.
【0027】また、図2を参照することによって容易に
理解される如く、回転流動部材92が透磁率検出器82
の透磁率検出面86を摺擦する際には、回転方向前側に
突出した凸面形状に弾性的に変形せしめられる。そし
て、透磁率検出器82の透磁率検出面86を通過する
と、回転流動部材92は真直に延在する形状に向けて少
なくとも部分的に弾性的に復元せしめられる。本発明者
等の経験によれば、回転流動部材92の上述したとおり
の挙動に起因して、回転流動部材92の回転方向前面に
付着せんとするトナー100は、回転流動部材92の弾
性的復元の際にその前面から飛散せしめられ、従って回
転流動部材92の前面にトナー100が付着せしめられ
る傾向は殆どない。しかしながら、回転流動部材92の
回転方向後面においては、清掃手段90を配設しない場
合には、幾分かのトナー100が付着し、かかる付着ト
ナー100が磁気検出器82の出力電圧に悪影響を及ぼ
す虞がある。而して、図示の実施形態においては、図7
を参照することによって明確に理解されるとおり、回転
軸48と共に回転軸46が回転せしめられると、回転軸
46に配設された回転清掃部材94の先端部が回転流動
部材92の回転方向後面に作用して、そこに付着せんと
するトナー100を清掃し、かくして回転流動部材92
の回転方向後面におけるトナー付着が充分に防止され
る。勿論、回転流動部材92の回転方向前面にトナー1
00が付着する傾向がある場合には、回転清掃部材94
に加えて或いはこれに代えて、回転流動部材92の回転
方向前面に作用する回転清掃部材を回転軸36に付設す
ることもできる。Further, as will be easily understood by referring to FIG. 2, the rotary flow member 92 is replaced by the magnetic permeability detector 82.
When the magnetic permeability detection surface 86 is rubbed, the magnetic permeability detection surface 86 is elastically deformed into a convex shape protruding forward in the rotation direction. Then, when passing through the magnetic permeability detection surface 86 of the magnetic permeability detector 82, the rotary flow member 92 is elastically restored at least partially toward the straight extending shape. According to the experience of the present inventors, due to the above-described behavior of the rotating fluid member 92, the toner 100 that sticks to the front surface of the rotating fluid member 92 in the rotational direction is elastically restored to the rotational fluid member 92. At that time, there is almost no tendency for the toner 100 to be scattered from the front surface thereof, and thus the toner 100 to be adhered to the front surface of the rotating fluid member 92. However, if the cleaning means 90 is not provided on the rear surface of the rotating fluid member 92 in the rotating direction, some toner 100 adheres, and the adhered toner 100 adversely affects the output voltage of the magnetic detector 82. There is a risk. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, FIG.
As will be clearly understood by referring to, when the rotary shaft 46 is rotated together with the rotary shaft 48, the tip end portion of the rotary cleaning member 94 disposed on the rotary shaft 46 comes to the rear surface in the rotational direction of the rotary fluid member 92. It acts to clean the toner 100 that may stick to it and thus to the rotating flow member 92.
Toner is sufficiently prevented from adhering to the rear surface in the direction of rotation. As a matter of course, the toner 1 is attached to the front surface of the rotating fluid member 92 in the rotating direction.
00 tends to adhere, the rotary cleaning member 94
In addition to or instead of this, a rotary cleaning member that acts on the front surface in the rotational direction of the rotary flow member 92 may be attached to the rotary shaft 36.
【0028】図1及び図2を参照して説明を続けると、
ホッパ容器12中の磁気検出器82が配設されている位
置も注目されるべきである。本発明者等の経験によれ
ば、トナー搬送経路34及び36中の、トナー100が
滞留せしめられる傾向にある位置に透磁率検出器82の
透磁率検出面86を位置せしめることが好適である。ト
ナー搬送経路34及び36中のトナー100が良好に搬
送される位置に透磁率検出器82の透磁率検出面86を
配置した場合、トナー100の搬送が良好であることに
起因してトナー100中に偶発的に相当な空隙が生成さ
れ、かかる空隙によってトナー100の見かけ磁気抵抗
が大きくなり、かくして透磁率検出器82の出力電圧に
悪影響が生成される虞がある。これに対して、トナー1
00が滞留せしめられる位置においては、トナー100
の滞留によってトナー100が圧縮され、空隙の生成が
充分に抑制され、従って透磁率検出器82の出力電圧に
悪影響が生成されることが充分に抑制される。透磁率検
出器82の透磁率検出面86が位置せしめられる部位に
おいてトナー100の滞留を生成せしめるためには、そ
の上流側とその下流側とにおいてトナー100の搬送に
関する要因の少なくとも1個を異ならせることが重要で
ある。図示の実施形態においては、透磁率検出器82の
透磁率検出面86が露呈せしめられている、トナー搬送
経路36の上流端部においては、トナー搬送経路34の
下流端部からトナー100が横方向に移送されること、
及びトナー搬送経路36の上流端部において回転軸48
に形成されている螺旋羽根は短螺旋羽根70及び72で
あること等に起因して、トナー搬送経路36の上流端部
におけるトナー搬送能力はその上流側におけるトナー搬
送能力よりも幾分小さく、かくしてトナー搬送経路36
の上流端部においてトナー100が滞留せしめられるよ
うに構成されている。勿論、図示の実施形態とは異なっ
た様式によって、トナー搬送方向、トナー搬送能力或い
はトナー搬送経路の横断面積(搬送面積)等の要因を適
宜に変更せしめて、所定部位においてトナー100の滞
留を生成せしめ、かかる部位に透磁率検出器82の透磁
率検出面86を露呈せしめることもできる。例えば、ト
ナーカートリッジ14からトナー受入口42を通して幾
分過剰なトナー100がホッパ容器12に供給されるよ
うに構成し、ホッパ容器12におけるトナー搬送経路3
4の上流端部、即ちトナー受入口42の下方においてト
ナー100の滞留を生成せしめ、かかる部位に透磁率検
出器82の透磁率検出面86を露呈せしめることもでき
る。Continuing the description with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2,
It should also be noted the position in the hopper container 12 where the magnetic detector 82 is located. According to the experience of the present inventors, it is preferable to position the magnetic permeability detection surface 86 of the magnetic permeability detector 82 at a position where the toner 100 tends to stay in the toner transport paths 34 and 36. When the magnetic permeability detecting surface 86 of the magnetic permeability detector 82 is arranged at a position where the toner 100 in the toner conveying paths 34 and 36 is favorably conveyed, the toner 100 can be conveyed satisfactorily in the toner 100. In addition, a considerable air gap is accidentally generated, and the air gap may increase the apparent magnetic resistance of the toner 100, thus adversely affecting the output voltage of the magnetic permeability detector 82. On the other hand, toner 1
At the position where 00 is retained, the toner 100
The toner 100 is compressed by the retention of the toner and the generation of voids is sufficiently suppressed, and therefore, the adverse effect on the output voltage of the magnetic permeability detector 82 is sufficiently suppressed. In order to generate the retention of the toner 100 at the portion where the magnetic permeability detection surface 86 of the magnetic permeability detector 82 is located, at least one of the factors relating to the conveyance of the toner 100 is different between the upstream side and the downstream side thereof. This is very important. In the illustrated embodiment, at the upstream end of the toner transport path 36 where the magnetic permeability detection surface 86 of the magnetic permeability detector 82 is exposed, the toner 100 is laterally transferred from the downstream end of the toner transport path 34. Be transferred to
And a rotary shaft 48 at the upstream end of the toner transport path 36.
Due to the fact that the spiral blades formed on the upper end are the short spiral blades 70 and 72, the toner carrying capacity at the upstream end of the toner carrying path 36 is somewhat smaller than the toner carrying capacity at the upstream side thereof, thus Toner transport path 36
The toner 100 is configured to be retained at the upstream end of the. Of course, in a manner different from that of the illustrated embodiment, factors such as the toner conveying direction, the toner conveying ability, or the cross-sectional area (conveying area) of the toner conveying path are appropriately changed to generate the retention of the toner 100 at a predetermined portion. In fact, the magnetic permeability detection surface 86 of the magnetic permeability detector 82 can be exposed at such a portion. For example, it is configured that the toner 100 is supplied from the toner cartridge 14 to the hopper container 12 through the toner receiving port 42 to a certain extent, and the toner transport path 3 in the hopper container 12 is formed.
It is also possible to generate stagnation of the toner 100 at the upstream end portion of 4, ie, below the toner receiving port 42, and expose the magnetic permeability detection surface 86 of the magnetic permeability detector 82 to such a portion.
【0029】更に、図示の実施形態においては、透磁率
検出器82、周期的流動手段88及び清掃手段90が配
設されている、ホッパ容器12の一端部には、他の部分
よりも下方に没入せしめられた凹部96が形成されてい
ることも留意されるべきである。当業者には周知の如
く、複写機においては、通常、トナー供給手段4に充分
なトナーが存在しなくなり、従って現像容器2にトナー
が供給されなくなった後においても現像が繰り返し遂行
され、その結果として現像容器2内のトナー濃度が所定
値以下になった場合には、警告ランプでよい警告手段
(図示していない)を付勢してかかる事実を使用者に警
告すると共に、連続して複写工程を遂行することを不可
能にしている。しかしながら、緊急避難的措置として、
1回毎の複写工程の遂行は許容している。然るに、1回
毎の複写工程が繰り返し遂行された場合、ホッパ容器1
2に上記凹部96が形成されていない場合には、次のと
おりの問題が発生する。即ち、現像容器2内のトナー濃
度が所定位置以下であることに起因して、複写工程の遂
行に対応してホッパ容器12において回転軸46及び4
8が回転せしめられると、ホッパ容器12内に存在する
トナー100が極めて少量になる。かくすると、周期的
流動手段88を構成する回転流動部材92が回転駆動さ
れても、透磁率検出器82の透磁率検出面86にトナー
100が流動せしめられることはなく、従って透磁率検
出器82の出力電圧が高くなることはなく、低い値に維
持され続けることになる。従って、所定時間中における
出力電圧の変動量は所定値以下の小さい値になり、これ
に起因してトナー検出手段80の判別手段98はホッパ
容器12内に充分なトナーが存在すると判別してしまう
可能性がある。しかしながら、ホッパ容器12に上記凹
部96が形成されている場合には、凹部96がトナー溜
を構成する。即ち、ホッパ容器12内のトナー量が極め
て少なくなっても、凹部96内のトナー100は下流に
向けて搬送され得ない故に、凹部96内には常に幾分か
のトナー100が残留せしめられる。そして、回転軸4
8が回転せしめられ回転流動部材92が回転せしめられ
ると、回転流動部材92は凹部96内のトナー100に
作用して透磁率検出器82の透磁率検出面86上に周期
的に流動せしめる。従って、透磁率検出器82の出力電
圧は充分に変動せしめられ、判別手段98は誤りなくホ
ッパ容器12内には充分な量のトナー100が存在して
いないと判別する。Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic permeability detector 82, the periodic flow means 88 and the cleaning means 90 are arranged at one end of the hopper container 12 below the other parts. It should also be noted that the recessed recess 96 is formed. As is well known to those skilled in the art, in a copying machine, usually, sufficient toner is not present in the toner supply means 4, and therefore, the development is repeatedly performed even after the toner is not supplied to the developing container 2, and as a result, As a result, when the toner concentration in the developing container 2 becomes lower than a predetermined value, a warning lamp (not shown), which may be a warning lamp, is activated to warn the user of the fact, and the copying is continuously performed. It makes it impossible to carry out the process. However, as an emergency evacuation measure,
Execution of the copying process each time is permitted. However, if the copying process is repeated once, the hopper container 1
If the concave portion 96 is not formed in 2, the following problems will occur. That is, because the toner concentration in the developing container 2 is below a predetermined position, the rotating shafts 46 and 4 in the hopper container 12 correspond to the execution of the copying process.
When 8 is rotated, the toner 100 existing in the hopper container 12 becomes extremely small. Thus, even if the rotary flow member 92 constituting the periodic flow means 88 is rotationally driven, the toner 100 is not allowed to flow on the magnetic permeability detection surface 86 of the magnetic permeability detector 82, and thus the magnetic permeability detector 82. The output voltage will not increase and will remain low. Therefore, the fluctuation amount of the output voltage during the predetermined time becomes a small value equal to or smaller than the predetermined value, and as a result, the determination means 98 of the toner detection means 80 determines that there is sufficient toner in the hopper container 12. there is a possibility. However, when the recess 96 is formed in the hopper container 12, the recess 96 forms a toner reservoir. That is, even if the amount of toner in the hopper container 12 becomes extremely small, the toner 100 in the recess 96 cannot be conveyed downstream, so that some toner 100 is always left in the recess 96. And the rotating shaft 4
When 8 is rotated and the rotary flow member 92 is rotated, the rotary flow member 92 acts on the toner 100 in the recess 96 to cause the toner to flow periodically on the magnetic permeability detection surface 86 of the magnetic permeability detector 82. Therefore, the output voltage of the magnetic permeability detector 82 is sufficiently varied, and the discriminating unit 98 discriminates that there is no error in the toner 100 in the hopper container 12 without error.
【0030】[0030]
【発明の効果】本発明の現像装置においては、トナーが
微磁性トナーの場合でも、所定領域に充分な量の磁性ト
ナーが存在するか否かが、透磁率検出器を使用して誤り
なく充分適切に検出される。In the developing device of the present invention, even if the toner is a weak magnetic toner, it is sufficient to determine whether or not a sufficient amount of magnetic toner exists in a predetermined area by using a magnetic permeability detector. Properly detected.
【図1】本発明に従って構成された現像装置の好適実施
形態の一部を図示する斜面図。FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a preferred embodiment of a developing device constructed in accordance with the present invention.
【図2】図1の現像装置におけるホッパ容器を示す断面
図。FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a hopper container in the developing device of FIG.
【図3】図1の現像装置におけるトナー検出手段を示す
簡略ブロック線図。FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram showing a toner detection unit in the developing device of FIG.
【図4】図1の現像装置におけるホッパ容器を、充分な
量のトナーが存在する状態で示す図2と同様の断面図。FIG. 4 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 2, showing the hopper container in the developing device of FIG. 1 in a state where a sufficient amount of toner is present.
【図5】図1の現像装置におけるホッパ容器を、充分な
量のトナーが存在しない状態で示す図2と同様の断面
図。5 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 2, showing the hopper container in the developing device of FIG. 1 in a state where a sufficient amount of toner is not present.
【図6】図1の現像装置における磁気検出器の出力電圧
の、実測データの一例を示す線図。6 is a diagram showing an example of actually measured data of an output voltage of a magnetic detector in the developing device of FIG.
【図7】図1の現像装置における清掃手段の作用を示す
図2と同様な断面図。7 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 2 showing the action of the cleaning means in the developing device of FIG.
2:現像容器 4:トナー供給手段 6:現像剤適用手段 12:ホッパ容器 14:トナーカートリッジ 34:トナー搬送経路 36:トナー搬送経路 38:トナー排出口 42:トナー受入口 44:トナー搬送手段 46:回転軸 48:回転軸 80:トナー検出手段 82:透磁率検出器 86:透磁率検出面 88:周期的流動手段 90:清掃手段 92:回転流動部材 94:回転清掃部材 96:凹部 98:判別手段 100:トナー 102:警告手段 2: Development container 4: Toner supply means 6: Developer application means 12: Hopper container 14: Toner cartridge 34: Toner transport path 36: Toner transport path 38: Toner discharge port 42: Toner receiving port 44: Toner transport means 46: Rotation axis 48: Rotation axis 80: Toner detection means 82: Permeability detector 86: Permeability detection surface 88: Periodic flow means 90: Cleaning means 92: Rotation flow member 94: Rotation cleaning member 96: Recessed portion 98: Discrimination means 100: toner 102: warning means
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────
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【手続補正書】[Procedure amendment]
【提出日】平成8年2月5日[Submission date] February 5, 1996
【手続補正1】[Procedure amendment 1]
【補正対象書類名】図面[Document name to be amended] Drawing
【補正対象項目名】図2[Correction target item name] Figure 2
【補正方法】変更[Correction method] Change
【補正内容】[Correction contents]
【図2】 [Fig. 2]
【手続補正2】[Procedure amendment 2]
【補正対象書類名】図面[Document name to be amended] Drawing
【補正対象項目名】図4[Correction target item name] Fig. 4
【補正方法】変更[Correction method] Change
【補正内容】[Correction contents]
【図4】 FIG. 4
【手続補正3】[Procedure 3]
【補正対象書類名】図面[Document name to be amended] Drawing
【補正対象項目名】図5[Correction target item name] Fig. 5
【補正方法】変更[Correction method] Change
【補正内容】[Correction contents]
【図5】 [Figure 5]
フロントページの続き (72)発明者 本田 浩二 大阪市中央区玉造1丁目2番28号 三田工 業株式会社内 (72)発明者 河野 信明 大阪市中央区玉造1丁目2番28号 三田工 業株式会社内Front Page Continuation (72) Inventor Koji Honda 1-22, Tamazo, Chuo-ku, Osaka City Mita Engineering Co., Ltd. In the company
Claims (19)
が存在するか否かを検出するためのトナー検出手段を備
えた現像装置において、 該トナー検出手段は該所定領域に露呈せしめられた透磁
率検出面を有する透磁率検出器と、該所定領域に存在す
るトナーを該透磁率検出器の該透磁率検出面に向けて周
期的に流動せしめる周期的流動手段と、該透磁率検出器
の出力信号を分析して該所定領域に充分な量のトナーが
存在するか否かを判別する判別手段とを含む、ことを特
徴とする現像装置。1. A developing device provided with a toner detecting means for detecting whether or not a sufficient amount of magnetic toner is present in a predetermined area, wherein the toner detecting means has a magnetic permeability exposed in the predetermined area. A magnetic permeability detector having a detection surface, a periodic flow means for causing the toner existing in the predetermined region to flow periodically toward the magnetic permeability detection surface of the magnetic permeability detector, and an output of the magnetic permeability detector. A developing device comprising: a determination unit configured to analyze a signal to determine whether or not a sufficient amount of toner exists in the predetermined area.
の磁性材料を含有する微磁性トナーである、請求項1記
載の現像装置。2. The toner is 0.1 to 5.0% by weight.
2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developing device is a micro-magnetic toner containing the magnetic material.
電圧が変化する形態であり、該判別手段は出力電圧の変
動量に基いて判別する、請求項1又は2記載の現像装
置。3. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic permeability detector has a form in which an output voltage changes in accordance with a magnetic resistance, and the determining means makes a determination based on a variation amount of the output voltage.
電圧が変化する形態であり、該判別手段は所定時間中の
出力電圧の積分値に基いて判別する、請求項1又は2記
載の現像装置。4. The magnetic permeability detector has a form in which an output voltage changes according to a magnetic resistance, and the determining means makes a determination based on an integrated value of the output voltage during a predetermined time. Developing device.
れて先端部が該透磁率検出器の該透磁率検出面を周期的
に摺擦する回転流動部材から構成されている、請求項1
から4までのいずかに記載の現像装置。5. The periodic flow means is constituted by a rotary flow member which is driven to rotate and whose tip portion periodically rubs against the magnetic permeability detection surface of the magnetic permeability detector.
The developing device according to any one of 1 to 4.
率検出器の該透磁率検出面と実質上平行に延びる、請求
項5記載の現像装置。6. The developing device according to claim 5, wherein a central axis of rotation of the rotary flow member extends substantially parallel to the magnetic permeability detection surface of the magnetic permeability detector.
形成されている、請求項6記載の現像装置。7. The developing device according to claim 6, wherein the rotary flow member is formed of a synthetic resin film.
に対して0度<θ≦90度の傾斜角度θをなし、該回転
流動部材の先端部は該透磁率検出器の該透磁率検出面を
下方から上方に向けて摺擦する方向に回転せしめられる
請求項5から7までのいずれかに記載の現像装置。8. The magnetic permeability detecting surface of the magnetic permeability detector forms an inclination angle θ of 0 ° <θ ≦ 90 ° with respect to the horizontal, and the tip of the rotary flow member has the magnetic permeability detecting surface of the magnetic permeability detector. 8. The developing device according to claim 5, wherein the magnetic permeability detection surface is rotated in a direction in which the magnetic permeability detection surface is rubbed upward from below.
る、請求項8記載の現像装置。9. The developing device according to claim 8, wherein the inclination angle θ is 30 degrees ≦ θ ≦ 60 degrees.
して付着トナーを離脱せしめる清掃手段が配設されてい
る、請求項8又は9記載の現像装置。10. The developing device according to claim 8, further comprising a cleaning unit that acts on a rear surface of the rotary fluid member in the rotational direction to remove the adhered toner.
転清掃部材から構成されており、該回転清掃部材の回転
中心軸線は該回転流動部材の回転中心軸線と実質上平行
に延び、該回転清掃部材の回転方向と該回転流動部材の
回転方向とは逆であり、該回転清掃部材の先端部が該回
転流動部材の該回転方向後面に作用する、請求項10記
載の現像装置。11. The cleaning means comprises a rotary cleaning member that is driven to rotate, and a rotation center axis of the rotation cleaning member extends substantially parallel to a rotation center axis of the rotary fluid member. 11. The developing device according to claim 10, wherein the rotating direction of the rotating fluidizing member is opposite to the rotating direction of the rotating fluidizing member, and the tip of the rotating cleaning member acts on the rear surface of the rotating fluidizing member in the rotating direction.
ら形成されている、請求項11記載の現像装置。12. The developing device according to claim 11, wherein the rotary cleaning member is formed of a synthetic resin film.
あり、トナー搬送に関する少なくとも1個の要因が該所
定領域の上流側と下流側とにおいて変化することに起因
して該所定領域においてトナー滞留が生成せしめられて
いる、請求項1から12までのいずれかに記載の現像装
置。13. The predetermined region is in a magnetic toner transport path, and at least one factor relating to toner transport changes in the upstream side and the downstream side of the predetermined region due to toner retention in the predetermined region. The developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein:
上流側トナー搬送手段の搬送能力が該所定領域の下流側
に配設されている下流側トナー搬送手段の搬送能力より
も大きいことに起因して該トナー滞留が生成せしめられ
ている、請求項13記載の現像装置。14. The carrying capacity of an upstream toner carrying means arranged upstream of the predetermined area is larger than the carrying capacity of a downstream toner carrying means arranged downstream of the predetermined area. 14. The developing device according to claim 13, wherein the toner retention is generated due to.
急激に変更せしめられていることに起因して該トナー滞
留が生成せしめられる、請求項13又は14記載の現像
装置。15. The developing device according to claim 13, wherein the toner retention is generated due to the toner transport direction being abruptly changed in the predetermined region.
部が形成されており、該周期的流動手段は該凹部内に存
在するトナーにも作用する、請求項1から15までのい
ずれかに記載の現像装置。16. The predetermined area is formed with a concave portion for forming a toner reservoir, and the periodic flow means also acts on the toner present in the concave portion. The developing device described.
現像剤を現像すべき静電潜像に適用するための現像剤適
用手段と、該現像容器に磁性トナーを供給するためのト
ナー供給手段とを具備し、該トナー供給手段はトナー受
入口と該現像容器に連通せしめられているトナー排出口
とを有するトナー搬送経路が形成されているホッパ容器
と、該トナー搬送経路を通して磁性トナーを搬送するた
めの搬送手段とを含み、該所定領域は該ホッパ容器内に
形成されている該トナー搬送経路中にある、請求項1か
ら16までのいずれかに記載の現像装置。17. A developing container, a developer applying means for applying a developer existing in the developing container to an electrostatic latent image to be developed, and a toner supply for supplying a magnetic toner to the developing container. Means for supplying magnetic toner through the hopper container in which a toner transport path having a toner receiving port and a toner discharge port communicating with the developing container is formed, and the toner transporting route. The developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a transporting unit for transporting, and the predetermined region is in the toner transporting path formed in the hopper container.
リア粒子と磁性トナーとから成る二成分現像剤である、
請求項17記載の現像装置。18. The developer present in the developing container is a two-component developer composed of carrier particles and magnetic toner.
The developing device according to claim 17.
れるトナーカートリッジを含み、該トナーカートリッジ
に収容されている磁性トナーが該トナー受入口を通して
該ホッパ容器に送給される、請求項17又は19記載の
現像装置。19. The toner supply means includes a toner cartridge which is replaceably mounted, and the magnetic toner accommodated in the toner cartridge is fed to the hopper container through the toner receiving port. 19. The developing device according to item 19.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP7309623A JPH09152766A (en) | 1995-11-29 | 1995-11-29 | Developing device |
EP96308364A EP0777158A1 (en) | 1995-11-29 | 1996-11-19 | Developing device |
KR1019960056465A KR970028903A (en) | 1995-11-29 | 1996-11-22 | Developing equipment |
CN96120756A CN1158440A (en) | 1995-11-29 | 1996-11-28 | Developing device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP7309623A JPH09152766A (en) | 1995-11-29 | 1995-11-29 | Developing device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
JPH09152766A true JPH09152766A (en) | 1997-06-10 |
Family
ID=17995269
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
JP7309623A Withdrawn JPH09152766A (en) | 1995-11-29 | 1995-11-29 | Developing device |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0777158A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH09152766A (en) |
KR (1) | KR970028903A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1158440A (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2011013366A (en) * | 2009-06-30 | 2011-01-20 | Brother Industries Ltd | Developer cartridge |
JP2016031518A (en) * | 2014-07-30 | 2016-03-07 | 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 | Image formation device and toner storage body |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6104892A (en) * | 1998-06-08 | 2000-08-15 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
CN102880026B (en) * | 2012-10-30 | 2014-12-31 | 富美科技集团有限公司 | Novel laser toner cartridge |
KR20220001928A (en) * | 2020-06-30 | 2022-01-06 | 휴렛-팩커드 디벨롭먼트 컴퍼니, 엘.피. | developer cartridge including structure for detecting developer end |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS644778A (en) * | 1987-06-26 | 1989-01-09 | Konishiroku Photo Ind | Toner container |
JPH04174475A (en) * | 1990-11-07 | 1992-06-22 | Mita Ind Co Ltd | Toner density controlling device |
JPH04177381A (en) * | 1990-11-13 | 1992-06-24 | Fujitsu Ltd | Toner quantity detecting method |
CA2063920C (en) * | 1991-03-29 | 1999-03-30 | Masato Ishii | Toner quantity detecting system for an image recording apparatus, a method of detecting the quantity of toner and a developing device for the image recording apparatus |
JP2940255B2 (en) * | 1991-09-26 | 1999-08-25 | 村田機械株式会社 | Apparatus for detecting toner amount in image forming apparatus |
JP3020390B2 (en) | 1993-08-19 | 2000-03-15 | 三田工業株式会社 | Excellent two-component magnetic developer toner with excellent spent resistance |
JPH07253710A (en) * | 1994-03-15 | 1995-10-03 | Mita Ind Co Ltd | Toner hopper and developing device including the same |
-
1995
- 1995-11-29 JP JP7309623A patent/JPH09152766A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1996
- 1996-11-19 EP EP96308364A patent/EP0777158A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1996-11-22 KR KR1019960056465A patent/KR970028903A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1996-11-28 CN CN96120756A patent/CN1158440A/en active Pending
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2011013366A (en) * | 2009-06-30 | 2011-01-20 | Brother Industries Ltd | Developer cartridge |
JP2016031518A (en) * | 2014-07-30 | 2016-03-07 | 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 | Image formation device and toner storage body |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
KR970028903A (en) | 1997-06-24 |
CN1158440A (en) | 1997-09-03 |
EP0777158A1 (en) | 1997-06-04 |
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